Shoei, Arai, Schuberth are all quality but you pay for that quality too. Watch a few of Revzilla’s YouTube videos about brands and the various types of helmets. Personally, Shoei fits my head shape and I have a couple. My next new helmet will be a modular.

I have used Arai in the past, but I am now on my second Schuberth modular. You should replace every 3-5 years depending on use. Proper fit is more important than brand.

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DOT is the lowest level of certification. Snell is better and, apparently, the ECE even stricter.

ECE 22.06 is better, but ECE 22.05 is not better. My read is ECE 22.06 adds 32 new tests which are much more representative of a real world crash.

I have been out of the motorcycling game for almost 40 years, so I can't tell you about all the new-fangled features. I do recommend a full-face with a fixed chin bar. You can just as easily impact an object face-first as any other position. I don't believe this is something you should buy online. The most important thing is the fit of the helmet. It cannot be too tight or too loose no matter which direction you wiggle it, and it cannot have any pressure points. Unlike a shoe or boot, there will be no "break-in." You've got to try it on in person.

I use a Shoei Neotec II.

https://www.revzilla.com/motor...NEAQYASABEgLigfD_BwE

I love the modular helmets. With a high quality lid I don't worry about the modular not holding up....Just make sure it is locked in place when take off.

It is a very quiet helmet, which is definitely something you'll appreciate if you add bluetooth.

I also like the fighter pilot sun shield.

Whatever you do, don't go cheap when it come to protecting your melon.

I’ve had both Schuberth and Shoei…both modular. I had the Schuberth C3 for several years before switching to the Shoei Neotec II.

While I loved the engineering of the Schuberth, the Shoei was, hands down, much more comfortable and had better airflow. BUT…find a place/way to try them on…the top tier lids fit differently. And if you can try them on, walk around with them on for a good 30 minutes. A buddy wanted a Schuberth, but after about 20 or so minutes it got uncomfortable.

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Originally posted by tatortodd:

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DOT is the lowest level of certification. Snell is better and, apparently, the ECE even stricter.

ECE 22.06 is better, but ECE 22.05 is not better. My read is ECE 22.06 adds 32 new tests which are much more representative of a real world crash.

What he said. ^^^

The ratings are good, but don't let that be the end-all thought for your purchase. The Snell test is a much higher bar than DOT, but that isn't necessarily always indicative of the best survival rating for a real-world crash.

The rating basically means the helmet company paid to have it tested. Snell foundation tests at "X" miles per hour. But unless you know what that test was - top drop, side impact, face grind, etc. - then that information is basically useless.

It does not mean that another - non rated - helmet would not survive the same test. It just means the company paid to have this one tested.

Otherwise, it would not be possible to find a $200 HJC with the same safety ratings as a $600 Arai - right? But they exist.

Also, look into MIPS and what it does to protect you in a crash. Technology is getting better and the understanding of what actually happens to your squash in an accident is always improving.

Basic safety is coming in at around $200-300. Above that range you're paying for materials, comfort, fit, and noise reduction. These are worthy attributes, and worth even more the longer you have to wear the helmet.

I recommend finding a dealer you trust and being fitted. A good dealer will show you lots of options and let you try on several models. You can still buy online if you want, but trying them on in person will give you a much better idea of what will work for you.

The most common mistake I've seen is people buying a helmet too big because that's what comfortable in the store. Comfort in the store and comfort at 70mph in the wind are two very different animals.

Arai, Shoei, and Schuberth are probably the top tier as far as safety and comfort combined.

Bell and Simpson are both big on safety in their upmarket models, but unfortunately they don't have the comfort or noise reduction qualities of the more moto-specific brands.

Consider your expected use and be realistic with your needs.

If you're commuting fifteen minutes a day in town, an HJC or Scorpion is probably a fine helmet. If you're putting in regular long rides with highway traffic, the money spent on a Shoei or Arai will pay for itself quickly.

Buy once, cry once is still a factor. But so is your actual use and your budget.

I wanted a modular for ATV riding, so went looking at a motorcycle shop.

I ended up with the Shoei Neotec II. It felt the best to me and there are plenty of inner and outer visor tints to make me happy. Sena makes a Bluetooth communication setup that is specifically designed to fit that model.

You want a helmet with at least a DOT rating plus either Snell or ECE or JIS or FIM (the best ones have several of these).
You do not want a polycarbonate helmet (this I know from observations as a motorcycle racer and seeing helmets fail).
From decades of personal use I recommend Arai, but everyone's head is a little different so a different shell shape might fit better.
Contrary to one of the comments, the amount you ride really should not affect this.

IIRC, and may not still be the case, but I don't think Snell will certify helmets with a flip down sunshade.
My Scorpion is DOT & ECE, but not Snell.

My last bike, a Norton, was back in the '90s and given may age and health I won't be riding two wheels again.

That said I'm curious about the recommendations.
None are like the Arai XD4 with a visor. Is there a reason that style is not among the recommendations?

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Originally posted by P250UA5:
IIRC, and may not still be the case, but I don't think Snell will certify helmets with a flip down sunshade.
My Scorpion is DOT & ECE, but not Snell.

You are correct. Both ECE 22.05 and 22.06 have ratings for modular helmets and even ones with the internal sunshade. ECE tests the sunshade in the working (i.e. down) position.

When buying modular, purchase dual P/J homologation. The P certification means protective face covering serving as full-face helmet, and the J certification means has superior protection when worn as an open face helmet (ie. chin guard flipped open).

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Originally posted by bald1:
That said I'm curious about the recommendations.
None are like the Arai XD4 with a visor. Is there a reason that style is not among the recommendations?

That's a "dual sport" helmet. I can't speak for others, but I only ride on-road so my helmet recommendations and study of safety standards comes from that background.

If memory serves me correct, fwbulldog rides an adventure bike which is on-road and off-road so he may be able to chime in.

I have had a modular HJC for a while and like it, but it is probably about time to upgrade it so this is a good thread. I always had Shoei before that when I could afford it. As said though, your melon is worth the money. Once you get to a certain point, helmets just get more expensive for being quieter, more comfortable, etc.

As far as pricing.....well, what is your life worth? That should be the beginning and end of the discussion in my mind. If you're comfortable with the risks of a $200 helmet as opposed to a $500 or $800 or $1000 helmet, and as stated by many folks.....costlier isn't always better (but hint: it usually is), then go with it. I'd just hate to put a price tag on what my life is worth.

First fatal accident I worked, many years ago......late 90's guy was on a bike, going less than 10mph taking off from a stop light, wearing a "brain-bucket" style helmet, lost control, tipped over, landed just right, and popped his melon on the pavement. Granted helmet tech has advanced a lot from then, but point is.....that made me a believer in buying the best I can get. What's your life worth?

I have 2 modular helmets. Both have significantly more wind noise than my solid full face helmet. Very noticable even with ear plugs.

Replacement schedule varies a bit by manufacturer. Be sure to check the date of manufacture before you buy, it could have been in warehouse/on the shelf for years. I dont replace mine as often as recommended but I dont push it too far either.

Article on replacement schedule.

Once you get into decent helmets I find that fitment shape is probably the most important factor yet many people base their choice on the "appearance or styling" of the helmet, or color, graphics, etc.
My helmets are always plain white for a couple reasons.
1) Within a helmet model the base, solid color, offerings are less expensive. The same helmet with graphics and sometimes fancy colors are more expensive. For the same money I'd rather have a better quality, solid color helmet than a lower quality one with fancy graphics.
2) In traffic visibility tests I've seen solid bright white stands out more than any other color, the exception being hi-vis yellow. Graphic designs act as camouflage.
3) I tend to have multiple motorcycles and change some of them often. While white doesn't match any motorcycle (other than white) it doesn't look too out of place on different color bikes. While a blue helmet might perfectly match a blue bike it looks odd with a red, green, yellow, etc motorcycle.

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Originally posted by bionic218:

Basic safety is coming in at around $200-300. Above that range you're paying for materials, comfort, fit, and noise reduction. These are worthy attributes, and worth even more the longer you have to wear the helmet.

This has been my experience as well. Well and features such as flip-up modular, more venting, removable interior pieces that you can put in the washer, and better quality visors all add some cost.

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The most common mistake I've seen is people buying a helmet too big because that's what comfortable in the store. Comfort in the store and comfort at 70mph in the wind are two very different animals.

You're right and this often happens because a particular helmet's shape and rider's head shape are different so "rider Joe's" new helmet buying experience goes something like this;
Joe wants a modular and Nolan makes one that has his color and he likes the look of, so he tries them to see what size to buy. Rider Joe's head is narrow and elongated. Nolen's modular helmet is more round (which fits most oriental's better). Size medium feels fine other than being too snug at his forehead so he tries the large. Large is too big and loose on the sides but front to back it is about right, and it's not hurting his forehead, so large it is.
What he should have done is try other brands to find ones that have shapes in a long oval which might fit correctly in medium.

Locally several yrs ago a local new rider who had just purchased a new motorcycle about 1 hour after purchase and backing/walking while sitting on the bike into his garage lost his balance falling over striking his head on the concrete floor.... He was wearing a "brain bucket" style helmet but suffered fatal head injuries.... Wife tried to sue the motorcycle dealer for selling a inferior helmet but that lawsuit was thrown out......Looking cool or riding with your best safety equipment you can afford... you make that decision...... Snug fit but with adaquate ventalation........... Last but not least---- Buckle the chin strap..... even with a snug fit the helmet can become dislodged with hardly any effort and not provide protection when needed............................. drill sgt.

I always buy red road helmets and white dirt helmets, and always the same brands. Aria for road, and Shoei for dirt. I have tried both brands for each and just prefer it that way. I think the red catches the eye more than white on the road, I would have bought the safety yellow with my last new helmet but they where out of them. I also think the graphic designs are less visible, but I have no proof. A nice helmet will set you back 6 or 8 hundred bucks and should be replaced in 6 or 8 years if you don't crash in it, I think most anyones head is worth a $100 a year.

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Originally posted by nukeandpave:
Very noticable even with ear plugs.

Wear soft ear plugs, properly inserted, with any helmet.

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2) In traffic visibility tests I've seen solid bright white stands out more than any other color, the exception being hi-vis yellow.

This is especially true when cage headlights are on in poor visibility conditions:

Morning and evening gray light.
Fog
Rain.